Retail Choices Galore

THE SHOPPES AT GRAND PRAIRIE

Located in Peoria at the intersection of I-474, Route 6 and War Memorial Drive, The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is the premier shopping destination in downstate Illinois, offering a “Main Street USA” appeal. The multi-million-dollar courtyard includes many impressive amenities, including children’s play areas, multiple ponds, outdoor dining, live music, custom sculptures and a nationally recognized memorial—the Holocaust Memorial Button Project.

Anchored by Bergner’s, Linens ‘n Things, Border’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Old Navy, the Shoppes includes more than 70 specialty stores and restaurants. In addition to signature retailers like J. Jill, Coldwater Creek, White House | Black Market, Chico’s, Ann Taylor, Caché and Banana Republic, the Shoppes offers traditional brands like Hallmark and Kirkland’s Home, along with local specialty retailers.

Dining options include Bar Louie, Camille’s Sidewalk Café, Flat Top Grill and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. After dinner, catch a movie at the RMP Grand Prairie 18, an 18-screen, 4,000-seat movie theatre adjacent to the Shoppes.

Other retail developments in this fast-growing section of northwest Peoria include Prairie Crossing, anchored by Furniture Row; Grand Prairie Commons, anchored by Home Depot and Gander Mountain; and the Plaza at Grand Prairie.

RETAIL AROUND THE REGION

Junction City, at the corner of Knoxville and Prospect, delivers the ultimate shopping experience in a distinctive outdoor setting. Home to a variety of locally owned upscale shops and restaurants, it is set in a unique railroad-themed shopping center. Visitors can spend the day—or the evening— strolling the boardwalk, browsing the shops, lingering in cafes and enjoying events with their families and friends.

The Metro Centre is another favorite, offering family-owned and specialty stores like Hanssen’s Le Bakery, My Dog’s Bakery, Scrapadoodle, Broms Furs and Fashions, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Naturally Yours Grocery. During the summer, the weekly Farmer’s Market and Expo attracts thousands of shoppers seeking fresh produce, flowers, herbs, jams and more.

For smaller specialty shops in a charming village atmosphere, make a visit to Peoria Heights. There you will find boutiques, fine dining and specialty purveyors like Wine Country and Leaves-N-Beans Roasting Co.

Just minutes away is the remodeled Northwoods Mall, Peoria’s largest indoor shopping center, with anchor tenants Sears, Macy’s and J.C.Penney. A variety of other stores—including Abercrombie & Fitch, The Gap, Express and Victoria’s Secret—contribute to the Northwoods shopping experience.

Across the street, Westlake Shopping Center was recently remodeled to offer a more upscale retail experience. Sheridan Village features Bergner’s, Village Plantation and a number of specialty shops. Other Peoria shopping locations include Willow Knolls Court, Glen Hollow and Evergreen Square. The former Pekin Mall, now the open-air retail center East Court Village, has also recently undergone a multi-million-dollar reconstruction.

And don’t forget our revitalized riverfront! From art galleries and one-of-a-kind gift shops to one of Illinois’ oldest antique centers, spend the day shopping, eating and enjoying the arts in a friendly, vibrant urban environment.

SHOPPING IN THE TWIN CITIES

In nearby Bloomington-Normal, The Shoppes at College Hills offers an open-air lifestyle center similar to The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The short drive offers additional choices for the discerning shopper, including the factory outlets at Crossroads Center and Eastland Mall, the cities’ largest shopping complex, featuring Kohl’s, Bergner’s and Macy’s. PP